Schoolgirl Sexually Assaulted In City

A man abducted a 14-year-old girl from a busy downtown street corner during Hartford's morning rush hour Tuesday, then attacked her with a knife and sexually assaulted her, police said.

The teenager, late for classes at Quirk Middle School, had gone to Main and Talcott streets to catch a city bus about 8:30 a.m., when a man in a large black car pulled up to the curb and forced her to get in, police said.

The girl told police the man sped north on Main Street, drove onto I-84 and took her to the area of Park Terrace and Mortson Street, where he pulled her from the car.

The teenager tried to run, but the man attacked her, cutting her several times with a pocket knife. He tore open her blouse, ripped off her bra and fondled her, police Lt. Thomas O'Connor said.

The girl escaped by punching the man in the groin and running away, police said. She had many scratches and cuts, but declined medical treatment.

The man was described as white, in his 20's, with blond hair, a mustache, blue eyes and a thin build.

School officials were trying to piece together details of the attack Tuesday, but said they needed more information before deciding what actions the school system might take.

"Generally, kids in that area walk in groups," said Peter Roach, head of security for the city's public school system. "We've always advised youngsters to walk in groups."

Ismael Carrera, principal of Quirk Middle School, said school officials will remind students to be cautious.

"I don't think this kind of thing happens when you have a group of people," Carrera said.

There have been no similar incidents recently, police said.

Police are looking for witnesses, but have not found any yet, said Sgt. Jose Lopez, of the department's crimes against persons unit.